The thrill of the open road and the joy of spending quality time together fuel their enthusiasm for trucking. While they appreciate the expansive views outside their truck, Shabnam and Palwinder Singh, affectionately known as Pooja and Pal on their YouTube channel Punjabi Trucker Couple, have found comfort in the confined cab they call home for extended periods.
The couple showcases their trucking lifestyle through videos in Hindi and Punjabi, amassing over 10,000 subscribers. Aged 27 and 28, they work as a long-haul team for Day To Day Logistics based in Mississauga, Ontario.
When they hear discussions about personal space, Pooja laughs, saying, “We don’t want any space, we like being together.” Pal adds that in times of disagreement, one of them will go to sleep while the other drives, and their disputes seem trivial by the time they wake up. “We park, make out and make up,” he says with a smile.
While they enjoy vlogging their adventures, Pal mentions they are introverted at heart, with similar interests and few friends. The couple met in 2016 and tied the knot in 2018. Seeking companionship during work, Pal encouraged Pooja to join him as a truck driver. After obtaining her A/Z license in 2021, Pooja now states, “Now I don’t want to work anywhere else.”
Health challenges accompany their trucking lifestyle. Pal battles weight issues, having lost and regained 40 kg due to the pandemic. He’s also dealing with a herniated disc. Recently, they adjusted their schedule to prioritize fitness, temporarily trading longer routes for shorter ones. While Pal manages to eat healthily while on the road, he admits, “I like to eat, it is my fault,” making it difficult to maintain his weight during downtime at home.
Future Aspirations
Pooja and Pal often prioritize exercise and healthy meals, shopping for groceries as they travel since some food items cannot cross the border. They had initially planned to move from their rental space into a larger truck, using 36-hour resets to explore hotels and new locations, but this plan is currently on hold due to reduced work opportunities.
Through their videos, they have inspired others to venture into trucking, receiving positive feedback from viewers who have taken the leap to become team drivers themselves. They also engage with their audience on various social media platforms and have begun a podcast. While they plan to continue trucking for now, aspirations for the future include relocating to the East Coast, starting a business, and traveling the world in depth.
